Workshop Program

Teaching Geochemistry in the 21st Century
May 18 - 20, 2005
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

Wednesday May 18


Travel to Moscow, ID. Arrive in time for group dinner

5:00-7:00 PM Social Mixer/Dinner

7:00-8:30 Introduction
Workshop goals; overview of website, digital collections and geochemical instrument registry.
Geochemistry Workshop Introduction (PowerPoint 3.9MB Jun14 05)

Round Table Discussion I: What are the modern goals in teaching geochemistry?
  • What content is taught in a modern geochemistry class? What are the essential concepts, topics and skills?
  • Opportunities for teaching geochemistry: courses for majors and across the curriculum.
  • How can geochemistry complement allied sciences and engineering?
  • Are there local or regional approaches that are used effectively in a geochemistry course?
  • International comparisons in approach, content, outcomes?
  • Report outs to the group.
  • Round Table Discussion results and notes (Microsoft Word 25kB May27 05)
Evening - networking

Thursday May 19


Breakfast On your own, campus or town

8:30-8:40 Charge of the Day

8:40-9:30 Keynote Speaker
Mike Hochella, Virginia Tech
Nano2Earth: Transforming Cutting-Edge Nanoscience into a Curriculum for Biogeochemistry and Earth Systems Science Teachers (PowerPoint 14.4MB Jun14 05)

Discussion

9:30-10:00 Break with coffee/snacks

10:00-11:00 Panel Discussion: Master instructors present "What works and why?"

Damon Chaky, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
Active learning strategies for the undergraduate science classroom (PowerPoint 952kB Jun14 05)

Candace Martin, University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand)
Events at the K-T boundary layer in New Zealand; A case study (Acrobat (PDF) 91kB Jun14 05)</pr>

David Vanko, Towson University (Towson, MD)
How has geochemistry changed over two decades? (PowerPoint 205kB Jun14 05)

  • Best practices, most effective approaches
  • Motivators for learning
  • Examples of labs, projects, problem solving, etc...

11:00-12:00 Demonstrations I
Participants work on a model exercise in groups of 15 - 20. Presenters will talk specifically about teaching methods, assessments and outcomes.

Kent Ratajeski, Montana State University

Using Online Geochemical and Crystallographic Databases in Undergraduate Mineralogy and Petrology Courses:
Compositional Diversity in Volcanic Suites
Crystallization-Differentiation of Basaltic Magma

Nancy Hinman, University of Montana

Relationship Between Mineral Weathering and Groundwater Composition
Geochemical Debates

Jeannette Pope, DePauw University

Integrating Research Methods Into Geochemistry Using Local Resources (PowerPoint 1.6MB Jun14 05)

12:00-1:30 Lunch - on your own around campus; free time for networking

1:30-3:00 Short Demonstrations
Participants provide a brief overview of their favorite exercises. This is a chance to see a variety of activities, share ideas and provide feedback.

Andrew Knudsen, Lawrence University
Geochemistry All Around Us (Water Sampling Activities) (PowerPoint 706kB Jun13 05)

Greg Druschel, University of Vermont
Acid Mine Drainage Field-Lab Experience Round I (PowerPoint 4.6MB Jun14 05)

Berry Lyons, Ohio State University
Introductory Geochemistry as a Capstone Experience, Integrating Earth History and Biogeochemical Concepts in a Series of Lectures on the Carbon Dioxide Cycle (PowerPoint 695kB Jun14 05)

Tim Ku, Wesleyan University
Teaching Environmental Geochemistry as a Service-Learning Course (PowerPoint 687kB Jun14 05)

Steve Peters, Lehigh University
A Mock Trial as a Final Exercise in a Forensic Geology Course (PowerPoint 704kB Jun14 05)

3:00-3:30 Break with drinks/snacks

3:30-5:00 Focus Groups
Small group discussions organized by topics of interest. Identify what resources are currently available, what resources are needed to better teach each topic.

5:00 End of day wrap-up
Brief reports from groups and any other matters that arise

Dinner On your own, on the town

Evening - Informal networking

Friday May 20


Breakfast On your own, campus or town

8:30-8:40 Charge of the day

8:45-10:00 Short Demonstrations II
Another set of short demonstrations to share activities and receive feedback.

Mark Schmitz, Boise State University
REE Modeling of Melting and Crystallization

Maria de Lourdes da Silva Rosa & Debora Correia Rios, Bahia University
Rock Samples and Geochemistry Analyses (PowerPoint 718kB Jun14 05)

Jeff Vervoort, Washington State University
Modern Analytical Methods in Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry: A Semester Long Applied Course (PowerPoint 281kB Jun14 05)

Paul Debajyoti, University of Texas at San Antonio:
Teaching Geochemistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio

Karen Hudson-Edwards, Birkbeck, University of London
Quiz and In-Class Worksheets

10:00-10:30 Break with coffee/snacks

10:30-12:00 Focus Groups II
  • Continue with previous day's discussions and planning.
  • Write an outline of activities.
  • Show what resources will be used.
  • Develop the context, content, goals of the activity.
  • Create plans to design, create, and disseminate the activity.
12:00-1:00 Lunch - on your own around campus/town

1:00-3:00 Town Hall Meeting (open to all Goldschmidt attendees) 3:00 Adjourn, register for Goldschmidt Conference